Swiss Politics

Thousands of Palestinian supporters demonstrate in Bern

This content was published on Apr 6, 2002 The demonstration, which was organised at short notice by peace groups and members of Switzerland’s Palestinian community, attracted far greater numbers than expected. Organisers originally anticipated that around 1,000 people would attend, but Bern police said the figure was closer to 10,000. The demonstration started at the city’s Kornhausplatz, where groups carrying shocking pictures of…

Swiss Politics

Deiss meets Kyrgyzstan’s President

This content was published on Apr 6, 2002 After meeting Akajev on Saturday in the capital, Bishkek, Deiss said Switzerland would double its aid to Kyrgyzstan amid mounting tensions in impoverished rural regions. Bloody protests last month in the southern part of the country “are another incentive for increasing aid to the poorest layers of society,” Deiss told a news conference. The protests,…

Swiss Politics

Violence hinders West Bank hospital workers

This content was published on Apr 6, 2002 The organisation runs a baby hospital for Palestinian infants from newborns to six-year-olds. It is a non-profit organisation co-funded by the Germany charity and Switzerland’s Caritas International. For 50 years it has provided medical care through hospital wards, a nursing school, an outpatient department and a day nursery. But its ability to care for children…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland to triple aid to Tajikistan

This content was published on Apr 5, 2002 Deiss announced the pledge after his meeting with the Tajik president, Emomali Rakhmonov, on the third lap of his sweep of Central Asian countries. The two men also discussed human rights violations in Tajikistan, illegal drug trafficking and the situation in Afghanistan, with which it shares a 1,206-kilometre border. Switzerland has also promised to help…

Swiss Politics

Deiss arrives in Tajikistan

This content was published on Apr 4, 2002 Deiss is scheduled to meet his counterpart, Talbak Nazarov, and the Tajik president, Emomali Rachmonov, to discuss boosting Swiss development aid and bilateral treaties between the two countries, before finally heading to Kyrgyzstan on Friday. On Thursday, Deiss visited various Swiss-funded projects around the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan, including one of several water-pumping stations. The…

Deiss signs treaties with Uzbekistan

This content was published on Apr 4, 2002 The accords, signed with the Uzbek foreign minister, Abdulaziz Kamilov, deal with reforming taxation and facilitating freight transport between the two countries. The agreements are part of a move to increase political and economic ties with Uzbekistan, considered the country with the greatest economic potential in the region. Deiss said he also hoped to forge…

Swiss Politics

Swiss have UN role, says British diplomat

This content was published on Mar 30, 2002 Opponents of UN membership have repeatedly argued that the Swiss will lack influence and will be forced to toe the line of the United States-dominated UN Security Council. However, Dr Nicola Brewer, director of global issues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, insisted that Switzerland would not be at the beck and call…

Swiss Politics

Morocco seeks help from Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 28, 2002 According to diplomatic sources in Geneva, the appeal was addressed to Swiss authorities and more than 171 copies were sent to signatories of the Geneva Conventions. At least 900 Moroccan prisoners of war were captured by Polisario fighters more than 20 years ago. The Polisario movement, or Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el…

Swiss Politics

Centenary reveals parliament’s naked truth

This content was published on Mar 28, 2002 Tour guide Sonja Raemy leads visitors into the lavishly decorated lobby or “Wandelhalle” outside the chamber where members of the House of Representatives debate. With a smile, she anticipates the response of visitors, when she directs their attention to the playful art on the ceiling. The figures in the paintings are symbolic, many humorous and…

Swiss Politics

Switzerland takes a step closer to Europe

This content was published on Mar 26, 2002 The date marks the go-live day for the long-awaited bilateral agreements signed between Switzerland and the 15 EU nations to liberalise labour markets, agriculture, air traffic and research. The final green light comes after over four years of negotiations and parliamentary debates. The Swiss government’s foreign promotion wing, Osec Business Network Switzerland, highlighted the news…

Swiss Politics

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Sign in and personalize Swissinfo

Swiss Politics

More

Thousands of Palestinian supporters demonstrate in Bern

More

Deiss meets Kyrgyzstan’s President

More

Violence hinders West Bank hospital workers

More

Switzerland to triple aid to Tajikistan

More

Deiss arrives in Tajikistan

More

Deiss signs treaties with Uzbekistan

More

Swiss have UN role, says British diplomat

More

Morocco seeks help from Switzerland

More

Centenary reveals parliament’s naked truth

More

Switzerland takes a step closer to Europe

Popular Stories

Most Discussed